SUCCESSFUL ON-LAND OIL CONTINGENCY PLANNING IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION

Transcription

1 SUCCESSFUL ON-LAND OIL CONTINGENCY PLANNING IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION Experiences and recommendations for local and regional levels from the Baltic Master project Project part-financed by the European Union 2007

2 BALTIC MASTER Partnership for safety Baltic Master consists of 40 partners from seven countries. Local, regional, national and international organizations as well as universities are represented. Baltic Master is an international project that aims to improve maritime safety by integrating local and regional perspectives. The focus is on the Baltic Sea Region and issues concerning preparedness, prevention and marine spatial planning. Project partners, focusing on oil contingency planning, have all contributed to the development of this folder in different ways. The information and recommendations presented have been collected through several studies and experiences from around the Baltic Sea. Hopefully these recommendations can be an inspiration for improving the on-land response of your organization, in order to create a more sustainable situation for our Baltic Sea region and its inhabitants. Baltic Master Project period: July 2005 December 2007 Project Budget: EUR 3.6 million, part-financed by Lead Partner: the European Union Region Blekinge Ronnebyg. 2 S Karlskrona, Sweden Tel:

3 WHY THE CONCERN? The presence of oil in the Baltic Sea region is constantly increasing together with the probability that an accident resulting in a large oil discharge will occur. Baltic Master results show that it is of great importance that we take action now in order to improve the on-land response. Is it really necessary to worry about a large oil discharge in the Baltic Sea? Is oil on the beaches really my responsibility? How does an oil discharge effect my organization? REASONS TO ACT THIS IS WHY! The Baltic Sea is one of the world s most heavily trafficked waters. Transport by sea is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years. On average, the Baltic Sea is the scene of one major oil-related accident every year. The oil tanker Prestige, carrying a large amount of oil, sank off the coast of Galicia in Spain in On her way she passed through the Baltic Sea. The marine environment is fragile with a limited water flow from the Atlantic. It takes years to renew the waters of the Baltic Sea. In the event of a major accident, the coastal and local regions will have to bear most of the consequences like polluted beaches, a decline in tourism and the collapse of the fishing industry. The cost of an oil discharge will be extensive. Oil cleaning on land costs approximately 100 times more than at sea. Environmental consequences will be extensive affecting birds, wildlife, fish and other marine life. I think I ve seen an oil contingency plan somewhere? 3

4 THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO Conclusions from playing the scenario Oil will strike the shore and affect local and regional authorities The socioeconomic and environmental costs will be extensive On-land response involves many players with an unclear division of responsibility On-land response is poorly exercised Responsible and affected authorities seldom cooperate across administrative borders A major part of the responsible authorities lack updated contingency plans To be able to prepare for an oil discharge it is essential to take a realistic approach concerning effects. Baltic Master has, together with the Swedish Rescue Services Agency and the Swedish Coast Guard, developed a scenario where a 100,000-ton, double-hull oil tanker collides with a freighter. The tanker carries heavy fuel oil, the freighter is carrying dangerous goods and the ships are badly damaged. The Sea Track Web program developed by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) simulates the calculated drift of the oil spill. Three different versions of the scenario have been produced: one for Denmark/Sweden, one for Germany and one for Poland based on different conditions. The drift is arranged so that there is a major oil spill drifting towards a substantial part of the land. In the scenario some 30,000 tons of oil are being released into the sea. One third is successfully pumped at sea while the remaining amount hits the shore. When the 20,000 tons of oil hits land it has expanded into 100,000 m 3 of oil, oil emulsion and oil-contaminated material. The direct costs for the response activity are estimated to be EUR million. For more information A scenario CD has been developed and is available at 4

5 HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COAST! Concerned about the risks and consequences of an oil discharge in the Baltic Sea? Our goal is that this folder will give you some more information about what you, at the regional and local level, can do in order to improve the on-land response around the Baltic Sea. IMPORTANT EXPERIENCES These are the four most important experiences: RAISE THE AWARENESS! Awareness of the risk and consequences of an oil discharge is the first step towards successful oil contingency planning. Read more on page 6 7 BE PREPARED! An oil contingency plan is an essential and useful tool for handling an oil discharge that hits your coast. Read more on page KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! By identifying your responsibility in case of an oil discharge, you can take the right actions. Read more on page 8 9 EXERCISE! Practice, apply and spread the information about your organization s oil contingency planning. Read more on page Since all regions and organizations are different, these recommendations are broad and adaptable to all different partners interested in improving the on-land response in the Baltic Sea region. 5

6 BE AWARE OF THE INCREASING PROBABILITY OF AN OIL DISCHARGE! AWARENESS The first step towards preparedness is raising the awareness among decision-makers! There are several facts that needed to be communicated to all decision-makers around the Baltic Sea in order to improve the on-land response in the Baltic Sea region. Being aware of the risk and consequences of an oil discharge is the first step towards more successful oil contingency planning in the Baltic Sea region. The increase of transportation The Baltic Sea is one of the world s most heavily trafficked waters. All prognoses show that transport by sea is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years. The export of oil from the eastern Baltic Sea is increasing and the oil is often carried in older vessels where safety is inadequate. Oil related accidents According to Helcom, there are around 2000 sizeable vessels operating in the Baltic Sea at all times. The large number of vessels increases the probability of an accident with an oil discharge as a result. On average, the Baltic Sea is exposed to one major oil-related accident every year. The oil tanker Prestige passed through the Baltic Sea before she sank off the coast of Galicia in Spain in In the event of a major accident in the 6

7 Baltic Sea it is the coastal and local regions that have to bear most of the consequences. Increase of oiltransports from the Finnish Bay Quantity million tons, year and prognosis for Source: Rytkönen J, 28 feb 2005 Environmental and socioeconomic effects One of the greatest environmental threats to the Baltic Sea region is the risk of a large oil discharge striking the coast. Nature and wildlife will in a large extent be affected in a negative way. The marine environment is fragile with a limited water flow from the Atlantic. It takes years to renew the waters of the Baltic Sea. The consequences may differ depending on what season the oil hits land and which areas are contaminated. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT What all decision-makers around the Baltic Sea should be aware of: The transportation of oil in the Baltic Sea is increasing The possibility of an accident at sea with a large oil discharge as result is obvious The consequences of an oil discharge on land will be extreme The coastal and local regions will have to bear most of the consequences There is approximately one illegal oil discharge every day in the Baltic Sea It is not only the environment that will be severely effected by an oil discharge. Costs that are not often considered are the socioeconomic effects. An oil discharge has a major influence on several sectors operating in the coastal zone. Effects will be felt on tourism, fishing, property, industry and transportation. For more information Socioeconomic consequences of an oil spill, The Swedish Rescue Service Environmental consequences of Baltic Carrier, Storström Region

8 IDENTIFY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! RESPONSIBILITY Identify the role and consequences for your organization! The Baltic Sea countries are organized differently, have different laws and different cultures in decision making. Which organizations are responsible is due to differences in the countries. Note that even if your organization is not directly responsible, it will probably have some responsibility in case of an accident. Response on sea The response in case of an accident at sea seems to be an established system of players. The organizations differ significantly between countries but there is a clear understanding of who is responsible for certain actions. The response at sea is also to a large extent practiced continuously. On-land response Studies show that there seems to be uncertainty concerning responsibility for necessary actions on land. An oil discharge does not take into consideration administrative borders and has a large effect on many sectors. Every organization around the Baltic Sea therefore needs to identify its responsibility in case of an oil discharge in order to improve the on-land response.

9 Identify your organizations responsibility If you are uncertain about your organizations role and responsibility in the event of an oil discharge along your coast, it is important to clarify this. Even if your organization does not appear to be directly affected or responsible for an oil discharge along your coast, it is in fact a good idea to identify your role. The consequences are often extreme and the need for assistance from other organizations enormous. In order to make good decisions, knowledge about your own and others responsibility is essential. An efficient way identifying your role is to go through a scenario together with other players in your region. Arrange meetings between different organizations and authorities to discuss responsibility and common issues. Together you can highlight expectations and divide responsibilities. A functioning network consisting of different players in your region can be a valuable asset if an oil discharge threatens your coast. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Ways to identify your regions division of responsibility: Identify the responsibility of your organization in the event of an oil accident Identify the responsibility of your surroundings Compare your responsibilities and action plans with similar organizations Create a network with players from different organizations in your region and cooperate when constructing contingency plans and joint exercises. For more information Division of responsibility Forms of interaction, division of responsibility and preparedness between players responding to disasters at sea. Baltic Master 2006.

10 AN OIL CONTINGENCY PLAN WILL IMPROVE YOUR PREPAREDNESS! PREPAREDNESS Be prepared! The possibility that an oil accident in the Baltic Sea will occur is not a question of if but when and where. The Baltic Master project stresses the importance of oil contingency planning on land for all Baltic Sea states. Develop your own oil contingency plan. A functioning and adapted oil contingency plan for your organization of which everybody is aware is a useful tool if an oil discharge is threatening your coast. A planning process that has the support and involvement of different players in the region is important. There are several different ways to devise an oil contingency plan; find a way that is suitable and efficient for your organization. Within the Baltic Master project, several oil contingency plans have been created, here are some experiences. The process Find a process that works for your organization and applies to your responsibility Engage people in the planning process who will be involved and affected in the event of an oil discharge Invite different regional players and have open discussions on what you can expect and what others expect of you 10

11 Knowledge about the plan and the requirements that address different functions are significant Coordinate with other players concerned such as your administrative neighbours and national authorities Find solutions and ways of handling possible problems in relation to an oil discharge in your ordinary organization The oil contingency plan A problem-oriented plan that emphasizes solutions can be useful Assess valuable habitats and human installations especially sensitive to oil contamination and develop plans for protective measures in case of an oil spill Assess the coast line and identify places of refuge Assess possible common resources both human and equipment Identify the functions that will be crucial for successful decontamination Work out a common action plan who does what Simple checklists can be helpful tools onsite during an oil discharge Make the plan accessible and easy to use, continuously upgrade and suitable for your organization THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Actions step by step Each accident is unique and the head of the rescue services/cleaning makes decisions based on the actual situation. Below are some points that could be included in an oil contingency plan and should be seen as a suggestion for the order in which the work should be carried out Firstly 1. Prognosis 2. Responsibility and Authorization 3. Command group and Documentation 4. Organization and Resources 5. Information 6. The Media Secondly 1. Finances 2. Experts and the Environment/Animals 3. Volunteers 4. Waste Disposal and Cleaning Techniques 5. Partners at the Local Level 6. Winding up For more information Oil spill contingency plan for Southeast Skåne, South East Skåne Rescue Service Oil contingency plan for the Municipality of Karlskrona, Municipality of Karlskrona

12 IMPROVE YOUR PREPAREDNESS BY EXERCISING! EXERCISE Get to know each other! When you are aware of the extent of an oil discharge, know your responsibility and have a contingency plan it is time to exercise newfound knowledge! Take time to interact with your neighbours municipalities, regions and countries. An exchange of knowledge and methods for planning is one of the most important factors for successful work with preparedness for an oil discharge. A continuously practiced plan is much more efficient. Give your organization a chance to practise and apply new knowledge. Why arrange exercises? Experiences from Baltic Master stress the importance of exercises. It is recommended that the number of exercises within countries is enhanced and expanded. The exercises should be as realistic as possible, including the land-based organizations, crossing geographic and administrative borders etc. A mix of personal from different countries and organizations can be very educational. When carrying out an exercise, you will get a chance to test your organization s preparedness, available oil contingency plans and facilitate cooperation be- 12

13 tween different players in the region. A well executed exercise is a very good learning process for participants and a way to make people aware of the topic. How can your organization exercise? People who have experienced a major accident look upon the problem of an oil discharge very differently from those who have not. It is therefore very important to substitute the experience with something that might have similar effect, like a scenario. Baltic Master has created a scenario that can be used as a starting point when planning your exercise. After an exercise the participants should be able to answer: Who is responsible for first actions at sea? Who is the commander of the accident? The connection between applicable laws and praxis, who will in fact do what? What should be done on land before oil hits the shore? What facts are needed to make decisions? Where to turn for reinforcement? THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Important experiences from exercises: Exercise! It is when you get together and discuss a possible scenario that you can test your preparedness Take time to learn from others who have already experienced a major oil spill and carry out joint exercises, as those carried out at sea Help from experts can be a valuable asset during a scenario-based exercise For more information Increased preparedness for oil disaster in Halland, Region Halland

14 STEPS 4 SUCCESS Steps to improve your on-land response: 1. Raise the awareness 2. Know your responsibility 3. Be prepared 4. Exercise Hopefully, after reading this folder, you will feel inspired to improve the on-land response in your region. The Baltic Master project has given its partners great experience and knowledge about oil contingency planning and it is our ambition that some of our results can be useful to your organization. 4 steps for successful oil contingency planning in the Baltic Sea Region: 1. Start your process by informing your decision-makers about the situation in the Baltic Sea region and why they should be concerned. 2. Identify your organization s responsibility and create a network with different players working for a common goal to increase the respond on land. 3. Start working with an oil contingency plan for your organization; adapt it to your responsibility and resources. 4. Exercise, take time to exchange knowledge and experiences. 14

15 FOR MORE INFORMATION Within Baltic Master, the partners have conducted theoretical as well as practical work. This process has contributed to a higher level of awareness as well as greater knowledge and experience among the participants and last but not least a cross-cultural competence (national and international). The practical participation has to a large extent benefited the partners. However, the reports that have been published could be of benefit to anyone outside the project and even function as models. The following products and reports contain important facts and advice on how to improve the preparedness on land as well as why it is important to be better prepared: MAKE USE OF BALTIC MASTER RESULTS Worst-case Scenario (DVD-film), The Swedish Rescue Services Agency Forms of interaction, division of responsibility and preparedness between players responding to disasters at sea, University of Lund Socioeconomic Consequences of an oil spill, The Swedish Rescue Services Agency Environmental consequences of Baltic Carrier, Storström Region The process of Region Halland, Region Halland Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Southeast Skåne, South East Skåne Rescue Service Oil contingency plan for the Municipality of Karlskrona, The Municipality of Karlskrona Fu Shan Hai. A Case Study, The Danish Emergency Management Agency Bornholm Reports developed parallel to Baltic Master Proposals and recommendations for heightening the emergency response system of the Regional Municipality of Bornholm to meet the pollution threat from major oil spills at sea, Regional Municipality of Bornholm Preparedness for oil spill and the effects of oil discharge for the B7 Islands in the Baltic Sea, The Baltic Seven Islands Network Summaries are available at: 15

16 A folder of best practice developed within the international project Baltic Master. A simple manual on how to achieve successful on-land oil contingency planning in your organization. Project part-financed by the European Union 2007